The Japanese Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has officially announced Eddie Jones as the man to succeed John Kirwan as national team head coach.

Jones first expressed an interest in the position back in October but was recently linked with the vacant England job. However, it was reported last week that the former Wallabies boss had accepted the opportunity to take over the Cherry Blossoms and his appointment was confirmed on Boxing Day.

The 51-year-old Australia, who has held coaching roles with the Springboks and Saracens in the past, is currently in charge of Japan outfit Suntory Sungoliath and will not take charge of the national side until April, just over a month after the end of the Top League season.

However, it is already clear in his mind what he wants to achieve with the Cherry Blossoms. "Our target is to be in the top 10," he is quoted as saying by AFP. "We need to develop the style of play that suits Japanese players, that allows us to beat countries (like) Scotland and Wales.

"We'll quickly identify 30 or 40 players that we are going to [take to] the next World Cup, get them to understand the Japanese way of rugby. It's going to be a very exciting four years."